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Casa Lumbre launches Lost Irish whiskey

Mexican spirits group Casa Lumbre has partnered with two entrepreneurs to create a new ‘modern’ blended Irish whiskey brand, finished in casks from six continents.

Lost Irish whiskey
Lost Irish whiskey is finished in casks from across the world

Lost Irish whiskey was founded by childhood friends Neil Sands and Tim Herlihy, in partnership with Casa Lumbre.

The expression is described as a ‘modern whiskey inspired by a wanderlust for world travel, adventure, and the many stories of the Irish across the globe’.

Lost Irish is made with seven casks from across the globe: South African brandy casks, Japanese mizunara oak, Sherry casks, Bourbon casks, Caribbean rum casks, Australian tawny casks and Colombian rum casks.

Lost Irish is a blend of all three styles of Irish whiskey – grain, malt and pot still. The addition of grain provides the expression with a ‘distinct lightness’, along with a ‘sweeter taste and almost floral aroma’.

The malt adds a ‘rich and rounded balance’ to the liquid, while the pot still style provides a ‘full and creamy mouthfeel with a hint of peppery spice’.

Co-founder Sands comes from a creative entrepreneurial background, while Herlihy has been involved in Irish whiskey for more than 10 years as a brand ambassador for Tullamore Dew and as an author writing about the spirit.

Herlihy said: “The idea for Lost Irish stems from all my adventures around the world.  While the category continues to grow, it is now primed to evolve into something that is a true reflection of modern Irish.

“After many years exploring how the world perceives all things Irish and how the Irish influence the world, we realised we were ready to bring something unique to life.  We’re eager to share a more accurate view and reflection of Ireland with bartenders and drinkers around the world.”

Move beyond Mexican spirits

Casa Lumbre is aiming to expand beyond Mexican spirits through the new partnership.

Casa Lumbre is behind brands such as Ancho Reyes liqueur, Montelobos mezcal, Mexican whisky Abasolo, Nixta corn liqueur and Ojo de Tigre mezcal, the latter of which secured investment from Pernod Ricard last year.

In October 2019, Campari Group acquired a controlling stake in Montelobos mezcal and Ancho Reyes for US$35.7 million.

Casa Lumbre CEO and co-founder, Moises Guindi, added: “Our goal is always to create disruptive brands that meet unaddressed consumer needs in the spirits industry by elevating rarely showcased processes, products, and perspectives.

“Today’s innovation and consumers are not restrained by the traditional way of seeing spirits, or bound by outdated structures of geography, ingredients processes and categories.”

The largest distributor in the US, Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits, will distribute Lost Irish in the States, with a focus on markets such as New York, California, Illinois and Texas. The brand will expand its presence in the US and globally over the next year.

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